Zayed Khan's US Visa is rejected

After choreographer Ahmed, it's actor Zayed Khan's visa application that gets rejected this time. Surname to blame? If you want to go to the USA, your name can't be Khan. Zayed Khan's visa application was rejected. Ten days ago, it was Ahmed Khan who was told to re-apply. The reason is the same: their 'blacklisted' surname. The two were US-bound for the shoot of Anjaana Anjaani. In December, the film's producer Sajid Nadiadwala's mother's visa was rejected when the family had planned a holiday to US.

Says a source close to Zayed, "ZK was to leave this week but now can only go after his visa comes through. Sajid is rescheduling his dates as both Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are already in New York shooting for the film. Though Zayed has completed his graduation there (at the American University in Washington DC) and he has been to the US at least 15 times, his visa application still got rejected."

The source adds, "Zayed's application was rejected three days ago. Apparently, he cracked a joke when asked about the long name on his passport. ZK told him, 'My name is Khan.' The reference was obviously to Karan Johar's film My Name Is Khan and Shahrukh's detention at the hands of the US immigration authorities last year. The consulate officer wasn't amused. He told Zayed to apply for his visa again."

Though Zayed remained unavailable for comment, a source close to him says, "It was just meant as a joke. Zayed should get his visa in a week's time. The officer told him it was just security protocol and it would take that time to process. The officers are just doing their job." The source adds, "In fact, the officer was extremely sweet and both Zayed and he had a good laugh when the actor said his name is Khan. The system has changed. ZK had to go personally for his visa interview. It's just a formality."

Sajid Nadiadwala confirms, "Yes. Zayed's passport is on hold." Anjaana Anjaani is a romantic drama revolving around Priyanka and Ranbir. The film is directed by Siddharth Anand. Zayed plays a character who decides the fate of their romance.